Expat in China designs phone app for easy language pickup

"I'm trying to figure out an easier and efficient way to memorize new words and that's why the app focuses on learning vocabulary," he said.

Users can create a list of words they want to learn and download them in Volock with their meanings. Different words can be placed in different decks. Once a deck is chosen, the words will switch and be used as a password when users want to access the phone.

The process will urge users to remember the words in order to unlock their phones, he said.

"If the user fails to type the word and has to use the phone urgently, there will be a skip button to flip the flashcard and show the meaning of the word, before proceeding," Nikolov said, adding that the flashcard feature of the app is thanks to his own learning experiences.

Ever since he came to Xiamen, Nikolov has been studying Chinese.

One of his most efficient ways of remembering vocabularies has been to write down words on one side of a sticky paper and their meanings on the other side. He first tries to say the meanings when seeing the words on the paper on the wall. If he forgets, he lifts the paper and finds the meaning.

"So the app combines digital flash cards with the screen lock function," he said.

Two months ago, he shared his app idea with his friends. Their positive feedback boosted his confidence and prompted him to translate it into reality.